Dooley Kicks Off Re-Election Bid With Focus On Jobs

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOX) – St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley made it official Thursday night at the Hilton Garden Inn. He is seeking re-election.

Dooley backed by several prominent area Democrats, told a crowded room his campaign will be about “jobs, jobs, jobs” and working together to create economic growth.

“I still have fire in the building, I love this community, we have momentum that we can not afford to let it go,” he said.

St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, former Mayor Vince Schoemehl, Congressman William Lacy Clay and County Assessor Jake Zimmerman all stood in support for Dooley.

“What Charlie Dooley has committed to is the same thing that all of us are committed to, and that is the growth of this region,” Zimmeramn said.

An Uphill Battle

The battle for the top spot won’t come easy for Dooley. St. Louis County council member Steve Stenger announced his bid in October. He said then, the county is broken and blamed Dooley for a string of recent scandals, including two that have targeted the St. Louis County government.

Dooley addressed those controversies Thursday night and said “anybody who has been in office for ten years — something will go wrong.”

“The key is what do you do about it?” he added.

In a statement Stenger said Thursday “I look forward to discussing the issues with Mr. Dooley over the next several months including my plan to restore trust, credibility and a Triple A bond rating to St. Louis County.”

Stenger has raised about $90,000 more than Dooley.

Police Board

Dooley took question on the county police board controversy. He said two very well qualified people will interview with the County Council December 10th.